Which country allows two wifes?

Where Polygamy Is Still Practiced Today

In several parts of the world, having more than one spouse is not only accepted but legally permitted—and even culturally encouraged. While polygamy exists in various forms across different societies, it is most prevalent in a broad stretch of Africa, often referred to as the "polygamy belt." This region spans across West and Central Africa, where traditions, religion, and social norms have long supported the practice.

Burkina Faso, Mali, The Gambia, Niger, and Nigeria are among the countries where polygamy is most common. In these nations, a significant portion of married women live in polygamous unions, sometimes accounting for over 30% of all marriages. The practice is often rooted in Islamic law, which permits a man to have up to four wives, provided he treats them equally. However, local customs and economic factors also play a major role.

It’s important to note that while polygamy is allowed in these countries, it doesn’t mean every man chooses to have multiple wives. Social attitudes are shifting, especially in urban areas, where education, gender equality, and economic pressures are influencing younger generations to opt for monogamous relationships.

Elsewhere in the world, polygamy is either illegal or exists only in isolated communities. In contrast, the African polygamy belt remains the global epicenter of this age-old tradition. While the practice may seem foreign to some, for others it remains a deeply personal and cultural choice—one woven into the fabric of daily life and family structure.